First Day Hike a healthy tradition

By Terry Scott Bertling

Updated 1:14 am, Monday, December 31, 2012

Photo: Bryan Frazier/TPWD, San Antonio Express-News

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McKinney Falls State Park hikers get to see plenty of diverse scenery along the hiking trail. Members of the Travis County Audubon Society recently reported a sighting of the forked-tail flycatcher at the park, off its usual migration pattern, according to Austin’s KVUE News, drawing birdwatchers to the park.

McKinney Falls State Park hikers get to see plenty of diverse scenery along the hiking trail. Members of the Travis County Audubon Society recently reported a sighting of the forked-tail flycatcher at the park,

The Loop Trail at the Old Tunnel State Park gives visitors a glimpse of the old railroad tunnel and winds through hills and valleys. During bat viewing season, the main attraction is the nightly show of bats, but hiking and birdwatching never go out of season.

The Loop Trail at the Old Tunnel State Park gives visitors a glimpse of the old railroad tunnel and winds through hills and valleys. During bat viewing season, the main attraction is the nightly show of bats,

Three cardinals visit feeders at the Old Tunnel State Park between Comfort and Fredericksburg. After bat season has ended, visitors can still enjoy a walk in this quiet park.

Three cardinals visit feeders at the Old Tunnel State Park between Comfort and Fredericksburg. After bat season has ended, visitors can still enjoy a walk in this quiet park.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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Spanish moss is draped over live oaks and cedar elms in a spot on the overlook hike at Government Canyon State Natural area in northwest San Antonio. The park plans 10 activities for the First Day Hikes program Jan. 1

Spanish moss is draped over live oaks and cedar elms in a spot on the overlook hike at Government Canyon State Natural area in northwest San Antonio. The park plans 10 activities for the First Day Hikes program

The Mossy Grove is a pleasant surprise along the Joe Johnson Route, a hiking trail at Government Canyon State Natural Area. The park lists 10 activities for the First Day Hikes program, including an 8 a.m. overlook hike (seven miles).

The Mossy Grove is a pleasant surprise along the Joe Johnson Route, a hiking trail at Government Canyon State Natural Area. The park lists 10 activities for the First Day Hikes program, including an 8 a.m.

Birdfeeders near the parking lot at Old Tunnel State Park make it easy for visitors to catch cardinals and other birds feeding. But the half-mile nature trail includes stairs and steep areas. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News) less

Birdfeeders near the parking lot at Old Tunnel State Park make it easy for visitors to catch cardinals and other birds feeding. But the half-mile nature trail includes stairs and steep areas. (Terry Scott ... more

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The state park sign for the Old Tunnel State Park is on Old San Antonio Road between Comfort and Fredericksburg. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

The state park sign for the Old Tunnel State Park is on Old San Antonio Road between Comfort and Fredericksburg. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

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Trees at Old Tunnel State Park are identified by painted stones. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

Trees at Old Tunnel State Park are identified by painted stones. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

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A sign at Old Tunnel State Park mentions that the bats emerge from the old railroad tunnel May through October. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

A sign at Old Tunnel State Park mentions that the bats emerge from the old railroad tunnel May through October. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

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A sign on the trail at Old Tunnel State Park gives visitors tips on bat viewing etiquette. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

A sign on the trail at Old Tunnel State Park gives visitors tips on bat viewing etiquette. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

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Three cardinals dine at the feeders near the parking lot at the Old Tunnel State Park. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

Three cardinals dine at the feeders near the parking lot at the Old Tunnel State Park. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

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A short trail in Old Tunnel State Park takes visitors down stairs and up a steep hill, but the short path is a good place to birdwatch. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

A short trail in Old Tunnel State Park takes visitors down stairs and up a steep hill, but the short path is a good place to birdwatch. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

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The trail at the Old Tunnel State Park lets visitors get a peek into the old railroad tunnel where bats emerge nightly during the summer and fall. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

The trail at the Old Tunnel State Park lets visitors get a peek into the old railroad tunnel where bats emerge nightly during the summer and fall. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

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The Old Tunnel State Park sits high on a hill, offering great views of the hilly terrain of the area. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

The Old Tunnel State Park sits high on a hill, offering great views of the hilly terrain of the area. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

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The Loop Trail at Old Tunnel State Park is well marked, with signs that help identify trees and birds along the way. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

The Loop Trail at Old Tunnel State Park is well marked, with signs that help identify trees and birds along the way. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

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Families hiking at McKinney Falls State Park in east Austin get to see diverse scenery. (Bryan Frazier, TPWD / Courtesy Photo)

Families hiking at McKinney Falls State Park in east Austin get to see diverse scenery. (Bryan Frazier, TPWD / Courtesy Photo)

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A family hikes at McKinney Falls State Park on National Trails Day. (Chase Fountain, TPWD / Courtesy photo)

A family hikes at McKinney Falls State Park on National Trails Day. (Chase Fountain, TPWD / Courtesy photo)

Dwarf palmettos line the water tower trail at Palmetto State Park near Gonzales

Dwarf palmettos line the water tower trail at Palmetto State Park near Gonzales

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Spanish moss is draped over trees at the Mossy Grove at a popular spot on the trails of Government Canyon State Natural Area. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

Spanish moss is draped over trees at the Mossy Grove at a popular spot on the trails of Government Canyon State Natural Area. (Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News)

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First Day Hike a healthy tradition

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They're the kind of memories that seep into a permanent place in our mind. Resting in a hot breeze on the summit of Enchanted Rock after a steep climb up the pink granite.

Discovering the stunning Mossy Grove — trees draped in Spanish moss — for the first time on a trail in Government Canyon State Natural Area.

Dipping your toes into the ice cold water of the Frio River at Garner State Park in Concan.

Hiking a quiet loop trail through the Old Tunnel State Park, watching cardinals take their turn at bird feeders after the bats have left the area for the season.

All are examples of the way outdoor places leave their indelible mark on those who enjoy one or more of the 94 Texas state parks. For the second year, many of the Texas state parks will participate in First Day Hikes, a program that encourages people to begin a new tradition on Jan. 1 — getting outdoors and enjoying the physical and emotional benefits of hiking. The program, coordinated nationally by the National Association of State Park Directors, is gaining ground this year, with more hikes in more locations to make it easy for Texans to participate in everything from leisurely walks to more difficult climbs on rugged trails.

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At Government Canyon State Natural Area, 10 activities range from a two-mile birding hike to a 10- to 12-mile run. You can also take an overlook hike for seven miles, experience an introduction to mountain biking or stick around for a 3.5-mile sunset hike (if you already RSVPed. That one filled up first and reservations are recommended for the guided hikes.). Guides and volunteers will not only lead the way but will also share their knowledge of the geology, the flora and fauna and the rich history of a park. The park's $6 entrance fee applies through Jan. 7, when the park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. See the list of activities at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/calendar. Entrance fees pay for half of the state parks' operating cost.

Government Canyon, off Galm Road in northwest San Antonio, may have the most ambitious schedule of activities.

“Last year, the response was overwhelming,” said Nic Maloukis, a park ranger taking reservations at Government Canyon. The goal, he said, is to get people exercising and enjoying the outdoors at state parks. His park has 40-41 miles of hiking and biking trails — most of it in the back country, he said. The 8 a.m., Jan. 1, overlook hike that leaves from the Visitor's Center covers seven miles and includes the Mossy Grove. It's one of the signature hikes in the park, and takes around four hours, covering a lot of rocky terrain, according to Maloukis. Easier but also popular is the bluff spurs hike (guided group leaves at 9 from the Visitor's Center) that covers two-three miles and includes an overlook.

Some parks have a single guided hike planned on New Year's Day. McKinney Falls State Park on the east side of Austin and Palmetto State Park near Gonzales are two of them — each with one 10 a.m. group hike planned. But group events aren't the only way to take advantage of the First Day Hikes program. Family outings to hike, fish or explore state parks are just as much part of the spirit of the event as learning from a guide at an organized event.

More Information

Reservations: If you plan to join one of the guided tours, contact the state park and make reservations. To find a First Day Hike near you, go to www.texasstateparks.org and read about what’s offered at different parks. Phone numbers and emails are given for reservations.

Fees: Park entrance fees, which range from $3 to $7, apply, but most guided hikes are free.

Preparations: Go prepared to hike: wear layers and sturdy shoes and take plenty of water. Note whether or not pets are allowed at specific events.

Group limits: Many of the guided tours have limits on the number of participants. If the one you want to join fills up before you get there, enjoy the day outdoors exploring on your own. Then check the park’s website for future events you may want to attend.

“The idea of making this a new family tradition is a great idea,” said Bryan Frazier, public relations director of the Texas State Parks System, a division of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. “State parks belong to the people.”

Many people are still somewhat unfamiliar with the beauty and diversity of the state parks, Frazier said.

Some — such as Garner State Park near Uvalde and Inks Lake State Park in Burnet — get plenty of visitors year-round. Even to the 7.5 million visitors who go to Texas State Parks each year, places such as Buescher State Park (near Bastrop State Park) and Palmetto State Park (near Gonzales) can sometimes go unnoticed, but Frazier said they each have unique assets. Buescher State Park, for example, has great biking and hiking trails and a lake for fishing, plus a dining hall that can host family reunions or other events.

Texas' biggest is Big Bend Ranch State Park, west of the national park. It covers 311,000 acres, three mountain ranges and dozens of miles of trails.

“It just might be the premier mountain biking place in the Southwest,” said Frazier, mentioning the Desert Dirt Fest held there last winter.

“State parks are viable economic engines to the local towns. We know that. We have research that shows it,” he said.

In many cases, state parks tell the story of Texas, Frazier said, pointing to the rich history of many parks.

A visit to the Old Tunnel State Park on a mild Wednesday afternoon in December gave me and my husband the park all to ourselves. The crowds that come to see the bats emerge from an old railway tunnel from May to October, seemed to have left with the bats, as our car sat alone in the parking lot while we took the half-mile nature trail. We peeked into the tunnel, staying behind barriers, which still left us close enough to see that something was flying around at the opening on the other end of the tunnel. The nature trail loops through the park, dips down in the valley then winds back up a hill. Frogs could be heard above the occasional car or truck passing down the old two-lane road that connects Comfort and Fredericksburg (Old San Antonio Road or Old No. 9 Highway). Along the way, painted stones identified trees and a big sign told about the birds most commonly seen in this area. We can vouch for its accuracy, with cardinals at the top of the list. After stopping at the end of our hike for a bottle of water and a snack, sitting on wooden seats that overlook hills (and the exit point for bats when they're in season), we found benches near three bird feeders and watched our feathered friends take turns indulging. What a shame we'd never stopped to check out this site before, we thought. (No reservations are required for a 9 a.m. bird-watching hike here Jan. 1.)

Enjoying new finds and exercising in a beautiful setting is the idea behind the First Day Hikes — introducing more people to the treasures outdoors, many of which are nearby.

Last year, 1,100 people showed up at 47 state parks in Texas for the first observance of First Day Hikes, according to the Texas State Parks System. “In addition to drawing new users to parks on January First, we hope to see return visitors from last year as families start to embrace First Day Hikes as a beloved tradition from year to year,” said Interpretive Services Assistant Director Karen Blizzard, the Texas coordinator for First Day Hikes, in a TPWD press release. Frazier points to the potential for lasting memories.

“When kids catch their first fish or see wildlife, those are the memories that will remain with them,” he said. The State Park System wants to encourage that. “Time spent outdoors with family is like no other time.”

Terry Scott Bertling is Travel editor of the Express-News and new publications and special projects editor.